I Will Survive

Music permeates my being. Specific songs that carry me through my struggles release and rectify my emotions. Below, I have created an abbreviated list.

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne reminds me of a boss, and a workplace that was horrendously oppressive. That song made me laugh, and kept me focused on my life's purpose, not the temporary struggles.

Always On Your Side by Sheryl Crow and Sting helped me when I was hurt deeply by the people I most cared about. I know someday they will understand, with more depth than I ever will, how significant my choices to forgive changed their lives.

I Get Knocked Down by Chumbawamba made for many dancing-with-a-hairbrush concerts. My cats and dogs have all loved my singing. Thank you.

Back to Life by Soul 2 Soul took me from Benin (West Africa) back to the United States. I felt as if I was being reborn. This was no small feat, as LPs were still being sold in record stores when I had left the USA, and CDs were the new medium of choice upon returning.

Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles will always take me back to college, when much of my growing up occurred. Every time I hear that song, I can hear my college marching band. It reminds me of all of my fears of responsibility. Often, I realize just how far I've come.

Goodnight My Someone from the Music Man held my hand through childhood. This musical was my parents' favorite. It was also my grandparents' favorite. So many lovely messages in that song about hope and learning to cope when you can't see the forest for the trees.

There are other songs that help me survive as I walk on sunshine in the purple rain, but some of the most significant are above. Music is emotion formed into beauty and expression. Enjoy it.